Finding the perfect balance between business and creativity is a major everyday topic of conversation when it comes to our industry. Building and translating an artist’s brand to the masses needs to be authentic to the craft, but also something that can be marketed and commercialized. But how does an artist do this in a world where music and the music business need to intersect in order to make a living!? Join this team of artist advocates as they talk about this, but also how artists can launch careers by using the tools available and how to build momentum with their brand.
In my 10-year career in the music industry, I’ve been inspired by technology’s impact on artist development, fan conversion, and music consumption. Working at major labels (Capitol Records, UMG) and independent labels (AWAL, APG), my current role is VP/Head of Commerce at Giant Music, where I educate artists on streaming ecosystems, specialize in content marketing and streaming partnerships across DSPs. My career goal is to strengthen the intersection of music discovery and technology by connecting artists, creators, and brands with their audiences through a deep understanding of fan conversion, curation strategies, and digital platform capabilities.
DeMarco joins the Recording Academy with an in depth knowledge and experience in corporate partnerships and business development. DeMarco brings a uniquely creative approach to building long lasting, sustainable, and meaningful relationships.
DeMarco has spent the bulk of his career supporting artists and managing partnerships at Music Forward’s Live Nation Entertainment. There he produced showcases and small festivals for emerging artists from under-resourced communities. Additionally, during his time, he also established partnerships and executed activations with music company’s such as Sony BMG, Concord Publishing, Pandora, Spotify, and others alike.
Toward the end of his time at Live Nation, DeMarco produced and hosted a virtual panel series called “Industry Sessions”. In these sessions DeMarco had the opportunity to interview artists such as Stacey Barthe, Ashe, Kid Daytona, Antonique Smith, and industry change-makers such as Jeanine McLean, Alphonzo Terrell, and DJ Omega. It has always been a priority of DeMarco’s to create spaces within the industry that are conducive for sharing knowledge and experiences with one another.
Accepting the charge to challenge corporate America to invest both their human and financial capital into a national mentorship program, DeMarco most recently made the pivot to joining Green Dot Public Schools. There he focused on building a robust portfolio of corporate partners to engage in a program conceptualized as response to the social injustice and racial inequity taking place in our world. This portfolio of partners included Snap Inc. Lionsgate Television, the Los Angeles Rams, Audacy, Microsoft, and Fed Ex.
A Chicago native, DeMarco is a lover of all things pizza, tennis, music, and more importantly – real housewives.
Australian-born Mike Warner is one of the leading experts on the world of streaming music. Mike’s has held many roles in music over the past 20 years. Currently he is the Head of Editorial Marketing Partnerships, North America with global music distributor Believe. Prior to Believe was the Director of Artist Relations at Chartmetric.
As a true wearer of many hats, he is also a best-selling self published author as well as a public speaker, Mike has shared his insights on every stage, from guest starring on numerous podcasts and appearing live on CNBC to speaking at the music industry’s largest conferences including SXSW and NAMM.
Rachel has spent 10+ years working across every facet of the music industry including a 6 year tenure at Live Nation working with top arena & stadium touring artists. Currently at TikTok Rachel leads the Artist Partnerships team for North America working directly with artists on a 1:1 basis, setting strategy for music discovery and on & off platform elevation to catapult artists to new heights.